Update: Renault Australia has confirmed the launch of the Kangoo dCi EDC for our market "before the end of 2017. See bottom of article for details.

The Renault Kangoodiesel is now available with the company's Efficient Dual Clutch (EDC) automatic transmission in Europe, after previously being a manual-only affair.

Available with both the dCi 90 and dCi 110 versions of the French van, the six-speed dual-dry-clutch unit adds just 28 kilograms in weight over the standard manual transmission.

Renault claims the new transmission provides "ultra fast" shift times of 290 milliseconds, while achieving a UK fuel economy figure of up to 55.4 miles per gallon (mpg) - around 5.1L/100km. Drivers can also shift gears themselves via the manual mode.

The EDC transmission improves drivability in traffic thanks to its 'creep' function, pulling away gradually as the brake pedal is released, while also coming as standard with Hill Start Assist as standard.

Australia

Renault's local arm has confirmed the dual-clutch Kangoo Diesel will launch here before the end of the year.

"We’ve been looking to add an auto diesel powertrain to the Kangoo range for a while now, and I’m pleased to say that the specification we want has now gone into production, and we should receive the first vehicles prior to Christmas," said Lyndon Healey, senior model line manager for Renault Australia Light Commercial Vehicles (LCV).

As with the wider Kangoo range, the EDC-equipped diesel models will be offered with a three-year, 200,000km warranty and three years of roadside assistance.

Stay tuned for a pricing and specifications breakdown closer to launch.